KRC Genk Esports has announced that it is entering into League of Legends with the organisation competing in next year’s Belgium League, one of the title’s European regional leagues (ERL).
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The organisation was formed earlier this year when Belgian Pro League football club KRC Genk created its own esports division, initially launching in EA Sports’ FIFA.
However, following the development of its branding, content platform and the creation of its own esports arena which is situated at the club’s stadium, the organisation is already looking to branch out into other games and has targeted League of Legends as its second title.
KRC Genk Esports Coordinator Bram Bartels commented: “KRC Genk Esports is leading in Belgium. That is why the step to League of Legends is a logical and strategic next step. The Belgian LoL competition will be given a new composition and will soon evolve into a closed formula, and KRC Genk Esports will not be missing.
“A nice bonus is that we join millions of young people worldwide who are active in this game. We expand our reach and thus come to the attention of an international target group.”
As a result of the announcement, KRC Genk Esports has acquired one of the six spots that are available in the Belgium League, with the side looking to compete for the competition’s €25,000 (~£22,185) prize pool.
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The Belgium League, which is set to commence in January 2021, has also revealed the other five remaining teams, with KV Mechelen Esports joining Genk Esports from the Belgium Pro League. The other participants include reigning champions Sector One, Team 7AM, 4Elements Esports, and ION Squad.
As a result, RSC Anderlecht Esports, Aethra Esports and Brussels Guardians will not be participating in the Belgium League for the upcoming split.
Esports Insider says: There has been mixed success when it comes to football clubs crossing over to esports, particularly when it’s outside of the FIFA bubble, so it’ll be interesting to see how Genk Esports approaches the League of Legends scene. Nevertheless, it’s a testament to the growing esports industry that more sporting organisations are looking to transition into more traditional, established titles.
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